First Light 2024

I always forget how much time and physical effort it takes to get all of the extension cords, timers, and power strips into place for my Christmas lights. At this house I have four basic circuits (at the Pomelo house I had six) with a digital clock/timer on each, coordinated to turn on at 16:00 and off at 01:00, each with as many lights as I can get without blowing the circuit breaker.

Today’s primary task was getting all of that equipment in place. It all has to get installed so there aren’t any trip hazards or other interferences with anyone moving around, and it has to get installed so that if/when it rains it doesn’t short out and cause electrical problems. A lot of that work involves getting into tight, uncomfortable spaces, some of it on ladders, some of it in trees. I also today remembered that the wooden 6′ step ladder that I’ve had for decades finally gave up and fell apart earlier this year and now’s the day that I’ve put off for years where I need to get a new one. The big question for tomorrow is whether or not an 8′ step ladder can fit into Hissy, a Honda Fit. We’ll see. I sure know that it won’t fit into a Volvo C70… although, I guess I could put the top down on it…

While tromping through the plants near the front door I came across a wounded mourning dove that unfortunately probably won’t last long. It’s right wing is obviously broken and sticking out at an odd angle and it never tried to fly, just kept running away from me. I did put out little dishes of bird seed and water, but it ran away from them also. The juncos on the other hand took to the feast like it was their Thanksgiving banquet. I suspect either an owl or a hawk will eat well sometime in the next couple of days. Of course, there was also the matter of the “Black Friday” Chiefs v. Raiders game. (“Cardiologists are standing by!”)

By the time I got done with the last of the electrical work, it was dark. I pushed through to get at least one string of lights up, and I got the wreath on the door, and the Christmas tree and decorations moved from the garage to the living room, but the rest of the lights will have to wait until tomorrow.